Formentera now covers all of its electricity demand with the new submarine link to Ibiza.
The island eliminates CO₂ emissions from diesel generation and consolidates its energy transition.
PalmFormentera has achieved another step in its energy transition. Since the launch of the new submarine electricity link with Ibiza, the island's entire electricity demand is covered with energy from the Balearic interconnected system and local renewable sources. The infrastructure, which involved an investment of €96 million, represents a key milestone for supply security and emissions reduction, as highlighted this Monday by the Secretary of State for Energy, Joan Groizard, during his official visit to Formentera's new 132 kV substation.
The event was also attended by the Regional Minister of Business, Self-Employed Workers, and Energy, Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro; the Vice President of the Formentera Council, Verónica Castelló; and the Redeia delegate in the Balearic Islands, Eduardo Maynau.
According to data from Red Eléctrica, the new link covers 95.86% of Formentera's electricity demand through its connection to Ibiza, while the remaining 4.14% comes from local photovoltaic generation. This has made it possible to permanently shut down the Es Ca Marí plant, which ran on diesel, and completely eliminate CO₂ emissions associated with energy production on the island.
All islands, interconnected
The 132 kV link between Ibiza and Formentera completes the Balearic Islands' interconnection network: all islands are now linked by at least one high-voltage link and simultaneously connected to the Peninsula via the existing Peninsula-Balearic Islands line. This network guarantees greater system stability and facilitates the integration of more renewable energy.
The new Formentera substation, which receives the submarine cable, is a compact, landscape-integrated GIS (Gas Isolated Substation) facility with two 30 MVA transformers and a transmission capacity of 53 MVA per circuit. The project also includes 5.2 km of terrestrial cabling in Ibiza, 4.8 km in Formentera, and a 27.1 km submarine section.
A more robust energy future
The authorities are confident that the second electricity link between the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, included in the new 2030 Electricity Planning proposal, will further strengthen the quality and security of supply, especially in the Pitiusas. At the same time, Redeia is building battery storage systems in Ibiza and Menorca to maximize the use of submarine interconnections.
Currently, the Peninsula–Balearic Islands link already saves €100 million annually and prevents the emission of 500,000 tons of CO₂ each year. With the planned new infrastructure, these benefits are estimated to double, with an additional saving of €360 million and an emission reduction of almost 700,000 tons annually.